• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Mexican Please

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Most Popular
    • Most Recent
    • Salsas
    • Appetizers/Sides
    • Beans
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Drinks
    • Enchiladas
    • Main Dish
    • Mexican Cooking 101
    • Tacos
    • Soup
    • Tortillas
    • Vegetarian
  • Articles
  • Cooking Course
  • About Me
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Tips
  • Course
  • Contact
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Tips
    • Course
    • Contact
    • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Most Recent

    Mexican Cooking Survival Guide

    November 7, 2016 By Patrick 31 Comments

    1103 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet

    This free Mexican Cooking Survival Guide is the quickest and easiest way to get your home kitchen pumping out the best Mexican food in town.  You'll be shocked at the quality and range of dishes you can make just by keeping these key ingredients on hand.

    Take this pantry list with you next time you go to the grocery store.  The items are easy to find and surprisingly cheap, and you've probably got many of them on hand already.

    Once your kitchen is stocked you'll have the option of making any of the 27 recipes listed below.   Yup, all 27 authentic Mexican recipes can be made using this simple pantry list.

    This free Mexican Cooking Survival Guide is the quickest and easiest way to get your home kitchen pumping out the best Mexican food in town. A simple pantry list gives you access to 27 authentic Mexican recipes. mexicanplease.com

    Note that chicken is listed as my preferred protein source, but feel free to get creative as nearly all of these recipes can be made with your protein of choice:  tofu, pork, lentils, steak, beans.  And I've listed item amounts for two people but you can adjust accordingly for family size kitchens.

    I've made each of the recipes below multiple times and can vouch for all of them as the real deal.  Don't worry if you've never made Mexican food at home before, it's easy and all of these recipes offer great reward for very little effort (why isn't all of life like that?).   Get in the habit of keeping these ingredients on hand and you'll always have authentic Mexican cuisine at your fingertips.

    Clicking on the link or pic will take you to a recipe page on this site that has step-by-step instructions and a recipe box that can be printed out for future use.  I'll also put a downloadable PDF of the pantry list here.  The PDF also contains ingredient explanations, storage tips, and links to the 27 recipes.  And if you want to see a slideshow of all 27 recipes click here.

    I'll be adding recipes to the Guide regularly.  I want it to be a genuinely valuable resource for anyone who thinks life is better with Mexican food in it, so please send me your feedback and suggestions on how I can make it even better.  Bueno?

    P.S. Please share this resource with friends and family who may benefit from it.  You can Pin It here or use the sharing buttons at the top of this page to share on Facebook, Twitter, etc.  Thank you!

    Okay, here are all 27 recipes....

    Tomato Jalapeno Salsa

    This is the Mother of all Mexican Salsas.  If you're new to making homemade salsa you are in for a treat.  Roasting the tomatoes changes the game and makes this one of the most versatile sauces to have in your repertoire.

    classic tomato jalapeno salsa how to make

    Huevos Ahogados -- Eggs Drowned in Salsa

    If you've never had eggs poached in homemade salsa before then wait no longer! You simply cannot beat the flavor of eggs cooked in a vibrant homemade salsa.

    Huevos Ahogados Eggs Drowned in Salsa mexicanplease.com

    Chicken Tinga Tacos

    Chicken Tinga is becoming more common north of the border, and for good reason.  This version use tomatillos and chipotles to create some Tinga Tacos that are loaded with flavor and easily qualify as Tingalicious!

    These Chicken Tinga Tacos are the real deal and worthy of being called Tingalicious!!! mexicanplease.com

     

    Salsa Verde -- Tomatillo Serrano Salsa

    A homemade green salsa can transform eggs, carnitas, and enchiladas into something otherworldly. Getting good at whipping up this authentic Salsa Verde opens up loads of possibilities.

     salsa verde in jar green sauce

     

    Enchiladas Suizas -- Creamy Green Sauce Enchiladas

    An authentic version of Enchiladas Suizas is always near the top of my list -- this recipe stars cheesy chicken enchiladas that are drenched in a creamy green sauce made from tomatillos and poblanos.

    Add a bit of cream to a traditional green sauce and you've got everything you need to make mouth-watering Enchiladas Suizas. This recipe also uses a roasted poblano to enhance the flavor. So good! mexicanplease.com

     

    The Only Guacamole Recipe You'll Ever Need

    This recipe proves how good Guacamole can be when using onion, lime, salt and avocado in balanced proportions -- also includes an onion smooshing tip to enhance flavor.

    The Only Guacamole Recipe You'll Ever Need mexicanplease.com

     

    Huevos a la Mexicana -- Mexican Scrambled Eggs

    These Mexican Scrambled Eggs are perfect for lazy weekend mornings: well-balanced, easy to make, and they have real kick. Try draining the tomatoes before adding them to the pan, so much better!

    These Mexican Scrambled Eggs are perfect for lazy weekend mornings: well-balanced, easy to make, and they have real kick. Try draining the tomatoes before adding them to the pan, so much better! mexicanplease.com

     

    Tomato Chipotle Salsa

    This Tomato Chipotle Salsa has a rich, smoky flavor from the delightful chipotles in adobo. And if you roast the tomatoes you end up with a warm, authentic salsa -- so good!

    Tomato-Chipotle Salsa Step-by-Step | mexicanplease.com

     

    Easy Red Sauce Enchiladas

    This is my go-to recipe for red sauce enchiladas. Fast, incredible flavor, and stress free to make. Sound too good to be true? Roasted tomatoes, cumin, and chipotles in adobo create a rich, authentic flavor that keeps me coming back for more.

    This is my go-to recipe for red sauce enchiladas. Fast, incredible flavor, and stress free to make. Sound too good to be true? mexicanplease.com

     

    Arroz Rojo -- Simple Mexican Rice

    You'll be amazed how much flavor you get in this delicious Mexican Rice using such a simple ingredient list. It's my default rice dish and couldn't be easier to make.

    Arroz Rojo Mexican Rice closeup mexicanplease.com

     

    Chicken Burrito with Tomato Chipotle Salsa

    This Chicken Guacamole Burrito relies on a Tomato Chipotle Salsa to create a rich, full flavor.  Don't forget to roast those tomatoes. So good!

    Anatomy of My Current Favorite Burrito mexicanplease.com

     

    Avocado Salsa Verde

    Adding fresh avocados to an authentic salsa verde creates something magical.  Eat it early and often because it's always the star of the dinner table and will disappear fast.

    Avocado Salsa Verde has one of the best flavor-to-effort ratios in all of Mexican cuisine. You'll get incredible flavor from very little effort by using just a few key ingredients. So good! mexicanplease.com

     

    Easy Burrito Bowls  with Creamy Avocado Sauce

    These Easy Burrito Bowls have a secret weapon that can instantly save your day: creamy avocado sauce with some zip from a jalapeno. So good!  You can also customize these burrito bowls ad infinitum.

    These Easy Burrito Bowls have a secret weapon that can instantly save your day: creamy avocado sauce with some zip from a jalapeno. So good! mexicanplease.com

     

    Simple, Epic Refried Beans

    Here's a convenient way to make killer refried beans using either homemade or canned beans. Loads of flavor and can be used for tacos, tostadas, quesadillas, etc.

    Homemade Mexican Refried Beans mexicanplease.com

     

    Huevos Rancheros Skillet

    Refried beans, potatoes and a homemade Tomato Chipotle Salsa make it easy to please everyone with this Huevos Rancheros Skillet. Lots of ways to customize this for picky eaters too.

    'Come and Get It' Huevos Rancheros Skillet mexicanplease.com

     

    Authentic, Well-Balanced Pico de Gallo

    Every kitchen needs a versatile Pico de Gallo to rely on.  This recipe keeps the tomatoes in check by using plenty of onion and seasoning.

    Five ingredients is all it takes to make a classic, authentic Pico de Gallo. This recipe keeps the tomatoes in check by using plenty of onion and seasoning. So good! mexicanplease.com

     

    Mexican Black Bean Soup

    Chipotles in adobo and roasted tomatoes give this Mexican Black Bean Soup incredible flavor. I like it best when the heat is subtle, but you can always amp it up a notch.

    This Mexican Black Bean Soup has incredible flavor despite letting the beans do most of the work. So good! mexicanplease.com

     

    Baked Taquitos dipped in Tomato Chipotle Salsa

    Dipping a crispy taquito into a bowl of homemade salsa can transport any dinner table straight to the heart of Mexico. This recipe uses a warm Tomato Chipotle Salsa that is delicioso.

    baked taquitos with tomato chipotle salsa overhead

     

    Cilantro Lime Rice

    By keeping just a few ingredients on hand you'll always have the option of whipping up this light, effervescent Cilantro Lime Rice. Works well in burrito bowls but also tastes great on its own.

    By keeping just a few ingredients on hand you'll always have the option of whipping up this light, effervescent Lime Cilantro Rice. Works well in burrito bowls but also tastes great on its own! mexicanplease.com

     

    Enfrijoladas

    Corn tortillas drenched in a Chipotle infused Black Bean puree? I'm in! These Vegetarian Enfrijoladas have a surprisingly full flavor and can be customized to your liking.

    enfrijoladas recipe after baking with garnishes on plate

     

    Roasted Poblano Quesadilla

    The perfect example of the rich, otherworldly flavor that Mexican cuisine can generate by using just a few simple ingredients.  Don't forget to roast the poblanos!

    This Roasted Poblano Quesadilla recipe is a great example of the rich, otherworldly flavor that Mexican cuisine can generate by using just a few simple ingredients. And it's served with Avocado Salsa Verde! mexicanplease.com

     

    Mexican Breakfast Taquitos

    These Baked Taquitos make for a quick Mexican infused meal when you are short on time and knee deep in hunger.

    Mexican Breakfast Taquitos mexicanplease.com

     

    Torta de Milanesa -- Breaded Chicken Cutlet Sandwich

    This Baked Milanesa Torta is loaded with avocado, Pico de Gallo and Chipotle Mayo. Yowsa! No frying either, just bread the chicken cutlets and give 'em 12 minutes in the oven.

    This Baked Milanesa Torta is loaded with avocado, Pico de Gallo and chipotle mayo. Yowsa! No frying either, just bread the chicken cutlets and give 'em 12 minutes in the oven. Buen Provecho. mexicanplease.com

     

    Tingadillas -- Cheesy Chicken Tinga Quesadillas

    Got leftover Tinga? Make Tingadillas! These Cheesy Chicken Tinga Quesadillas with Green Sauce will change the course of your day for the better -- includes recipe for making Tinga from scratch.

    Got leftover Tinga? Make Tingadillas! These Cheesy Chicken Tinga Quesadillas with Green Sauce will change the course of your day for the better -- also includes recipe for making Tinga from scratch | mexicanplease.com

     

    Crispy Chicken Tacos

    This delight uses Chicken Milanesa strips to create a unique, satiating meal.  Homemade Chipotle Crema drizzled over fresh guacamole turns it into a keeper.

    I've been eating these Crispy Chicken Tacos all week long -- crispy chicken strips, chipotle crema, guacamole, pickled jalapenos, Cotija cheese and cilantro -- all served on a warm corn tortilla. So good! mexicanplease.com

     

    Wet Poblano Burrito

    Think of this as the ultimate comfort food. A chicken guacamole burrito swimming in a creamy, goopy poblano sauce with otherworldly flavor. Don't forget to roast those poblano peppers!

    Think of this as the ultimate comfort food. A chicken guacamole burrito swimming in a creamy, goopy poblano sauce with otherworldly flavor. Don't forget to roast the poblano peppers. So good! mexicanplease.com

     

    Spicy Black Bean Nachos

    It's tough to beat the combo of warm tortilla chips, melted cheese, and spicy black beans.  In other words, NACHOS!!  These beans have some kick built into them from chipotles in adobo and they are beyond delicious.

    It's tough to beat the combo of warm tortilla chips, melted cheese, and spicy black beans. In other words, NACHOS!! These beans have some kick built into them from chipotles in adobo and they are beyond delicious. mexicanplease.com

    If you found this page helpful please use the social media buttons below to share it so that others can benefit from it too.  Cheers!

    Still hungry?!

    Want to receive Mexican Please recipes via email when they are posted?  Sign up below to subscribe.  All recipes are spam free.

    And don't worry, we hate spam too!  You can unsubscribe at any time.

    Thank You For Subscribing!

    « Avocado Salsa Verde
    Colorado Enchiladas »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. RossC

      June 11, 2022 at 11:32 am

      Searching for Peruano Beans, I came across your site.

      Wonder recipes, I will be making. :O)

      Reply
      • Patrick

        June 14, 2022 at 3:47 pm

        Thanks Ross, I hope you find some keepers! Cheers.

        Reply
    2. Joe Cooks

      December 29, 2021 at 8:20 am

      Thank you! What a wonderful gift to foodies!

      Reply
    3. Vee

      July 15, 2020 at 10:27 am

      Love all of this! I love Mexican food and I’ll be using these recipes! Thank you. Also have a few more things on my shopping list! Great info.

      Reply
      • Patrick

        July 17, 2020 at 12:15 pm

        Thanks Vee!

        Reply
    4. Adele Aiken

      July 15, 2020 at 5:25 am

      I cooked a pork shoulder in the crockpot using a cuban mojo sauce. After cooking I froze both the meat and the sauce. I plan to use the meat for a family dinner serving it with flour tortillas. I want to first put the meat under my broiler to give it a crisp finish. Would suggest just reducing the citrus sauce and using that as a glaze or is there a better sauce to use??

      Reply
      • Patrick

        July 17, 2020 at 12:15 pm

        Hey Adele! Yeah I like to use the sauce that the meat was cooked in so I would start with that -- it's usually got some fat in it and this will help get it crispy, and make it taste good 🙂

        Reply
    5. Leslo

      August 11, 2018 at 9:05 am

      I have a huge request....do you have an authentic street taco from south of the border to saber?

      Reply
      • Patrick

        August 13, 2018 at 6:05 pm

        Hey Leslo! Hmmm tough one as everyone defines street tacos differently. I would probably start with these Tinga Tacos or Chicken Tacos. Cheers.

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hey, I'm Patrick! I spent 2 years living in Cozumel and got obsessed with Mexican food. I built this site to share all the recipes and techniques I've learned along the way. Read More…

    Footer

    Mexican Recipes

    Cooking Course

    Mexican Cooking 101

    Ingredients

    Salsas

    Starting a Food Blog

    Enchilada Recipes

    About Me

    Contact

    Disclaimer

    © 2023 Mexican Please
 - Privacy Policy